Warner Bros. Eying Actor In His 'mid-40s' for Batman Role in 'Batman vs. Superman'

A new report from Batman on Film brings word the actor cast to play Batman in Warner Bros' Batman vs. Superman (aka Man of Steel 2) will reportedly be in his mid-40s to play a character said to be "a grizzled veteran who has been on the job for several years." By comparison, Henry Cavill just recently turned 30, which should give screenwriter David S. Goyer a little something extra to work with.

This news should put any speculation regarding Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing Batman to rest and Armie Hammer, who was once set to play Batman in WB's now-aborted Justice League film, has also said not to expect him in the role, also noting he will co-star with Cavill in Guy Ritchie's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. adding, "I think if Henry and I did that film and then a superhero film straight after, people might start to wonder about us."

So who should take the role? Names such as Jon Hamm, Josh Brolin and Gerard Butler are being tossed around, the only one of which I am particularly interested in is Brolin.

In addition to this news, we already knew the new film would draw inspiration from, but not be an adaptation of, Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" graphic novel, but now The Indepedent reports director Zack Snyder and Miller are poised to have a chat to discuss the new film, be it to discuss the direction of the film or what no one knows as the site reports: "Frank had no idea the announcement in San Diego was going to happen so it did come as a surprise. He's going to be meeting up with Zach [sic] in the next few days to go over the plans for the Superman film so things should be clearer after that."

So what's all this mean? Well, it's just rumors so it doesn't mean much, but personally I like the idea of an older Batman and really hope they can nail this film.

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Gerard Butler would be awful. I'd like to see Hamm, he'd definitely be an ideal Bruce Wayne as he does the tortured playboy thing in his sleep by now. Guy Pearce would be a good choice as well and, however unlikely, Ben Affleck might be good too. I've seen Josh Brolin and Richard Armitage mentioned as well and both seem like good choices to me.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/cinephile/ cinephile

Guy Pearce is an excellent choice for consideration! He's quite adept at assimilating the roles he takes on. I think he fares better with "darker" characters.

http://www.smartfilm.blogspot.com SmartFilm

I'd take Brolin. He's great at brooding.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/JimmyB/ Jimmy B

I vote Karl Urban. He's 41 (it's close enough) and his most famous roles to date basically involve him playing "grizzled veterans."

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/kylejames182/ kyle coley

i still would love to see karl urban

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Fox/ Fox

John Malkovich

http://guiltypleasuresradio.net Tom Knoblauch

Malkovich definitely. But then I'd also want to get John Cusack in there as a puppeteer bad guy. In fact, I'd like this more if it was a Man of Steel sequel, Batman reboot, and Being John Malkovich spinoff all in one.

Jon Hamm would be perfect. But I also like the idea of Josh Brolin or Karl Urban taking the part.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Corbin/ Corbin

Urban would be amazing as batman.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/JNFilms/ JN Films

Hugh Jackman as Batman?

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Ryguy815/ Ryguy815

Either Karl Urban or Joel Edgerton are who I would want to play Batman.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Chris/ Chris

John Hamm?

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Chris/ Chris

Sorry Brad. Just saw that you mentioned him. But why would they want an older guy? Don't they want to milk Justice League as long as they can? Having an old Bruce Wayne would kind of hinder that.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/JoshP./ Josh P.

There. You've got my click.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Stephen/ Stephen

I think Josh Brolin would be pretty awesome in the role.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/RonOnealFresh/ Ron Oneal Fresh

Don Draper as Batman would be distracting.

He a great actor, has great commanding voice & on screen presence otherwise.

Brolin? I don't know. He doesn't seem all that intimidating on screen.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

Ugh, I don't like this, not one bit.

If they're going for this age everyone is gonna ask "why the hell Batman got back from retiring. Didn't he like run off with that hot burglar? Wasn't he done with being Batman?" "It's a reboot." "Oh, but then why start him off this old? Isn't it way cooler if he's in his prime like in TDK? Why would they reboot it only to basically just continue where they left off?" "Dunno" "And who's this new guy? If they're making him older, why not just have Bale back?" "Because uh...because they wanna seperate it from the previous films." "But that's so confusing if they're picking up on the years straight after the previous film yet have it not be connected in any way." "Jep." "Why would you want this?" "I DONT KNOOOOOW!!!"

What was the best received batman film so far? The Dark Knight. Why? Because it had The Joker. Why else? Because it featured Batman AT HIS PEAK SHAPE (in that universe anyway). Why the hell would Batman need to be over 40 to be wise or have experience!? This is all so friggin not future-minded. WB/DC is starting a long term plan with this, get a Batman that can learn along with Superman. Take us on that journey of all of these heroes all coming into their own perfect versions.

Ugh, honestly, this age requirement leaves out so many good choices for this roll. Blegh, I hope this is either not true or they go back on it.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

"So your Batman?" "Jep." "And you've been doing this for quite some time?" "Hell yes." "Then why haven't I heard from you before? I've been going around the world trying to help people. Would've been nice to know about someone already doing that." "Uuuh..." "And so you still work alone?" "Jep." "For all this time?" "Uh yeah..." "And no...help...?" "I have a butler..." *Awkward silence* (from the audience) "Wanna work together?" "No Superman, I never have and you can't be trusted, I'll friggin–" "You'll what?" "Uuuuh..." "Hm?" "I feel like I miss things., Like some sort of rock to make you vulnerable. And an annoying little kid to help me around..." "Aaa, feeling old Bruce?" "Yeah... Wait what? Who dahell?" "I can see through your cowl...and your smoke...and your shadows...." "I'll still take you down though. Somehow." "With what? A batarang?" "Uuuh... I'm really smart you know! And experienced! I am one wise mothaf–" "I have heat vision, frost breath, super hearing, superspeed, super strength, can stand bullets, don't need to breathe in space and can see everything you have on you with x-ray vision." "Uh.....I am vengeance, I am the night! Feaaar meee" "Yeah kay, G'luck with that, bye." ".....Alfred... " "Yes Master Bruce?" "So anything up?" "Uhm, Lex Luthor just bought Wayne enterprises. A demonic AI from Superman's world is demolishing Metropolis. There's a guy who can run so fast he can run through solid matter. There's a woman flying around with a lasso trying to beat up gods. Superman just took off to help another alien in space hold back an invasion. Apparently Atlantis exists and it's ruler is really, really pissed off and then there's your regular crime, your Joker tearing up the place. Two-face is killing puppies again. It's not a... it's not good... Oh how's that back btw? Bane hit you hard." "Wrong movie Alfred." "Right..."

An older Batman is NOT a good idea in the MoS-verse at this point is what I'm saying...

(I wonder if this comment was too long Brad?)

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

Forgot to mention: neither is the VS part.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/cinephile/ cinephile

OMG...brilliant! That made my day.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Th3DeadWillRise/ Th3DeadWillRise

I think Karl Urban would make for a fantastic, older, more brooding Dark Knight.

https://twitter.com/TooMuchHamza Hamza Zain

An older Batman is more likely to be at odds with Superman than a younger Batman. I'm assuming they want to portray Batman, as someone who has been at it a long time, and knows what he is clearly doing, opposed to Superman, who is new at this. And I hope they make him a better detective than Nolan's Batman. Because as much as I LOVE the Nolan films, Bale's Bruce Wayne can be dumb as nails from time to time.

My friends and I have been throwing around names for Batman for the last couple of weeks, and one that comes up a lot is Lee Pace. He's got the jawline and the eyes, not to mention the acting chops for it.

I recall a lot of people saying Jon Hamm's name during the early talk of Man of Steel, so he may be in play here. And Joe Manganiello could also be in play since Snyder was close to casting him in Man of Steel.

Karl Urban would be fantastic if you want a brooding Batman, but I just don't feel like he's going to get it.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

An older Batman is more likely to show patience and to see the potential of someone instead of just bashing in and thinking he can take on a god. The reason why old age bruce goes berkeserk is because he IS old age and feels he hasn't finished anything. But they're not making Bruce THAT old, he's not done with his life or whatever. He's just Batman, but past his physical prime and into probably a somewhat more patient and calm state.

Exactly what WON'T kick off a franchise. What WILL kick of this is if Batman has been around for just a few years and feels immediately threatened in what he does by someone literally tearing up the place. If he has his young brash nature he'll rush towards it and think he'll be able to just persuade Superman to his methods, which might not be the case. The dynamic is so much better if both characters still have a lot to learn...

https://twitter.com/TooMuchHamza Hamza Zain

Young Batman would also get his ass handed to him by Superman. Older Batman is going to be experienced and smarter about fighting. I would argue that having Batman prove he is still the best could be great. I also think they are trying not to seem like they are rebooting the work Nolan did as they clearly like him.

Cast someone around 40-41, but who is the right actor for the role. You can launch a franchise if the actor is right. Just look at Robert Downey Jr; his performance and Iron Man helped launch the entire Marvel universe. And he was 43 when he played Tony Stark.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

It's simple to me:

Either reboot the whole thing, go an entirely opposite way to Nolan, get a young new fresh face for Batman, fairly unknown, someone who'll make the role his own in a new way.

Or use Nolan's world, set Man of Steel and its sequel after TDKR, get Bale back and have an older Batman.

Any other path does not make sense to me, at all. You either start anew, fairly at the beginning, or you continue what you have. Setting up a new Batman who's past his physically best years is just stupid to me, sorry...

Also, please, please just stop, everyone, with the RDJ argument, Batman is an entirely different role and RDJ has already said he quits IM after playing him four times (with one fith coming up in Avengers: Age of Ultron). So please. I want a Batman who's determined to stay on this franchise and who can grow along with Cavill. OR a Batman we've already bonded to and can really convey the sense of experience we've seen him go through.

Else what do you wanna do? A Batman film made up of flashbacks? It's just, there's just no sense in going with an old Batman if you're rebooting him imo.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Kimberlesk/ Kimberlesk

Sorry, it's just too soon for a new Batman. But if they want 'older' -- why not Bale? He'll be 40 in January. I like Karl Urban and sat through bad movies just because he was in them, but I don't see him as Bruce/Batman at all. Josh Brolin? Why not James Brolin? Just rewatched original Amityville Horror, after seeing Conjuring, and James reminded me a lot of Bale. I know, James is way older than they want - but I don't see Josh in this role either. And having Jon Hamm take over would be like when Clooney took over -- bad idea. He's a good actor, but already established as Draper. Doesn't work, IMO. This is a really tough, make-or-break decision. But I'm kinda relieved that they want an older Batman.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/jaybob/ jaybob

Because having Bale would automatically make Superman and Nolan's Batman co-existing in the same universe, which is stupid. The idea of Superman and Batman co-existing in the same is dumb already. Fun but dumb. The idea would just cheapen Nolan's Batman. Nolan himself said as much and I agree with him.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Kimberlesk/ Kimberlesk

I know, I know -- and I ultimately agree with this. I'm just whining because I don't want a new Batman yet. I didn't 'buy' the new Spiderman either -- it was too soon. I certainly don't want a tainted Nolan-verse. I guess I'd just prefer if they would leave Batman alone for awhile.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/tpsilva/ Thushan De Silva

Christian Bale is the one. Hugh Jackman would also be good.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/andyluvsfilms/ andyluvsfilms

For me its Urban all the way, he certainly has the right look and attitude. I wouldn't object to Brolin especially after seeing the Oldboy trailer, Malkovich is an interesting choice but i think he'd be better suited as a villain.

How about Matthew Fox? he can definitely do intense and sinister

goodfella676

Bryan Cranston for a grizzled Batman!

Franck Chamate

Hoechlin is the only Man I could picture doing Batman. Select this young actor bring something exciting to the series. ! He's an athlete and can do his own stunts like a "gymnast" ( as his co-satrs said ) . I want some novelty ! I always want Tyler Hoechlin as Batman !

After the huge success as the Lone Ranger it's surprising they wouldn't cast Armie. Maybe that guy from American Psycho would be good.

Scott Meeker

Two words - Gabriel Macht -

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/JNFilms/ JN Films

Get Keith Urban as Karl Urban's double so Batman can sing.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Brockabye/ Brockabye

Jim Caviezel as the Batman. He was already Henry Cavil's father in Count of Monte Cristo. After Bats lays the beat down and they make nice he can take on that fatherly role again for Supes. Bryan Cranston as Jim Gordan would be good. Also, they can have an older Batman for this Superman vs. Batman movie and then reboot Batman by Bruce Wayne training a protege similar to the animated series Batman Beyond. Then cast a new younger Batman in a new Batman series and this younger actor can be part of the Justice League.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

I don't think Jim's an option because often actors can't get away from their series duties. Pretty safe to say Jim is unavailable...

And besides, exactly because he already rocks in PoI, I say just leave him to that.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Kimberlesk/ Kimberlesk

Jim Caveizel! Now that's the first name mentioned that I could get on board with. I also agree with your choice of Bryan Cranston as Jim Gordon - nice thinking. Oh to dream .... @Silrian's probably right, Jim's on one of the biggest TV shows ATM. But who knows, stranger things have happened. I'm also mulling over Matthew Fox -- that may be a decent choice as well. But he'd have a lot to prove.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

Yeah either Brad or Laremy or both really need to start watching Person of Interest (from the beginning, else it's no good). That show is building up masterfully. The Second season was already pretty rewarding and Jonah's hinted at SO much more for the next season. They've really planned ahead about five seasons with that show in terms of story and character development.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Kimberlesk/ Kimberlesk

I'm embarrassed to say I haven't seen Season 2 yet. I enjoy binge-watching and soon as it's out, I will spend a weekend watching the whole thing!

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

Season 2 is at least twice as good as 1 and has a lot of overarching development.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Kimberlesk/ Kimberlesk

Thanks, can't wait!

rvastar

Now THAT is an idea!

Caviezel's movie career was - very unfairly IMO - derailed by his appearance in The Passion of the Christ. But to this day, I love to rewatch The Counte of Monte Cristo every couple of years. It is a criminally underrated film and Caviezel was absolutely fantastic in his portrayal of Dantes' character's movement from naive, trusting fool to hate-filled schemer to redeemed man.

Additionally, Person of Interest shows that he is very capable to pulling off the physicality of a Batman role...much better IMO than Bale, who's fist-to-cuff sequences were always the weakest part of Nolan's action scenes.

And finally, it would just be a good rise-from-the-ashes story to see Caviezel claw his way back into a starring role of that caliber and scope.

Caviezel all the way!

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/andyluvsfilms/ andyluvsfilms

Oh I feel the same about Monte Cristo myself, the casting in that film is just perfect. I watch it at least once a year.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Fan/ Fan

I think Viggo Mortensen would be a good choice. Or why not go with someone like Will Smith.

https://twitter.com/TooMuchHamza Hamza Zain

Will Smith probably wouldn't do it unless he could make Jaden into Robin.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Fan/ Fan

Lol, good call.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Silrian/ Silrian

I'm still for Wes Bentley...

Pretty weird Nolan casted him in Interstellar a few days after I made my mind up about 'm.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Kimberlesk/ Kimberlesk

Isn't Bentley too young for what they're looking for? He certainly is 'dark' enough for the role though. I'm also seeing Richard Armitage being thrown in the 'ring' so-to-speak. I'm a huge Armitage fan, but again, he has big shoes to fill for this. Nolan's Trilogy looms heavily over this production.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/Chris/ Chris

If Man of Steel was a good or even slightly above average film is be excited for this sequel. Now it truly lies in who they pick for Batman. If they pick a no name or a Karl Urban like actor I'll be really disappointed. They need a star. Hamm, Gosling, Cooper, or bust for me.

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/kathrynlynn/ kathrynlynn

idris alba for batman

http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/profile/kash/ kash

The run down: 1.) George Clooney - wouldn't that be awkwardly awesome? 2.) Jude Law - Has the acting chops, and the right Jaw 3.) Viggo Mortensen - he brings the perfect amount of badass for a grizzly batman 4.) Jim Caviezel - watch "Person of Interest", you'll know why 5.) Guy Pearce - can totally pull off the action, as shown in Lockout 6.) Billy Campbell - just because he fits the physical traits of a typical batman/bruce wayne 7.) Idris Elba - a total game changer, could go both ways, but deep down, you know he would be perfect.